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Saturday, October 30, 2010

This is my first entry for a challenge over at Papercraft Star (Challenge #19)... This week's challenge was based on a Photo Inspiration. Please take a moment to hop on over and check out the photo and other entries (PLUS: They have open voting until Monday Night at MIDNIGHT!! I'd L-O-V-E to have your vote!! Thanks!!). Maybe you'll even find that you would like to enter one of their challenges too (they list all of the challenges in advance so you always know what's next - So cool!!).

The inspiration that I took from the photo was mostly about the pears, but I was also inspired by the cool colors... I really liked the idea of putting this butter color with the honeydew and artichoke colors...

I started with a 12x12 piece of purple paper from the Creative Memories Reminisce Tone-on-Tone Paper Pack... I just love how the paper is already distressed-looking for me -- It works perfectly for so many layouts! The two photo boxes are made with 4"x6" pieces in artichoke and mounted on butter that has been distressed with brown chalking ink (I love the chalking inks! I used it on every die cut and photo box and the journaling box too!). The ribbon is attached only on the back so that I can slide the perfect pictures right under... The pear die cuts can all be found on the Preserves Cricut Cartridge, though I should mention that I mixed-and-matched the pieces of the three different pears on the cartridge to get the look I wanted. My journal box began with a piece of honeydew cardstock measuring 2.5"x3" and is mounted on cement and artichoke cardstock.

I hope you enjoy my 12x12 Pear Layout... If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comments. I'd love for you to become a follower as I am really enjoying the opportunity to share what I've been working on. As always, your comments are appreciated -- Even if it's just to let me know you've stopped by!! :)

Friday, October 29, 2010

Well... There is no love lost between my mom's cat, Freddy, and I... You see, I am a cat-lover! The fact that Freddy is not the kindest of cats, and definitely does not return my affection, leaves me feeling a little perplexed!! I mean, anyone with a cat will tell you that I will spend more time talking to their cat than the average visitor!!

Anyway, Freddy is like the 'extra' child in my mom's life... Since I am the 'baby' of the family, I perhaps have certain feelings about him... Cuz she seriously spoils the heck out of this cat!! There's a pretty funny story about Freddy in his humble beginnings... He was a stray who found his way onto the back porch of my mom's home... And then into her heart... But when she first brought him in, she named him... SUSIE!! We all thought HE was a SHE... No wonder he had a little resentment! But on his first trip to the vet, we certainly learned otherwise, and Susie came home as Freddy.

So I have created this layout especially for my wonderful mom... And especially for the beloved Fraidy-Cat (that I often call him). My plan was to add some pictures to it before I uploaded it here, but, alas, I did not get the photos printed yet... So she will see it here first -- And maybe she'll decide to dress him up for Halloween and take pictures and add them herself... After all, this is meant to be a Halloween layout that I created for the Papercutz Challenge #64 as well as the Paper Playtime Halloween Challenge. Additionally, Made By Momo is having a sort of 'open call' for Halloween projects... So, if you've got one, you may want to add yours to her blog as well!! If you have a moment, please hop on over to these blogs to check out all of the great projects or enter your own projects!!

(Clicking on any of the pictures will make them LARGER!!)

To create this layout, I started with 2 12x12 pages from Creative Memories Black & White Tone-On-Tone Paper. I cuttlebugged 4 strips of 1x12 CM 'Apple' Cardstock with the 'Texture' folder (this takes patience as you have to run it through 3 times to texture the entire strip) to create the border strips across the top and bottom. I used 2 4x6 'Apple' Cardstock pieces for the base of the cat die cuts (from the Paper Doll Dress Up Cricut Cartridge) and added a paper 'ribbon' strip to the edge of each (cuttlebugged with the Polka Dots folder). My letters are cut at 2" using the font found on the Robotz Cricut Cartridge (base font and shadow font - CM Orange & Gold Cardstock), and, yes, I used my Gypsy to weld the shadow (this makes it easier to lay it out once it's cut). I did not weld the base font as I wanted to ink the edges of the letters and distress the tops a bit. Due to my Cuttlebug Addiction, I did run all of the base font letters through with the Polka Dots folder too... I really do get such a kick out of those embossing folders... If you have any questions, please be sure to leave me a message, and I'll be happy to get back to you. :)

(Clicking on any of the pictures will make them LARGER!!)

I hope you enjoy my two-page Halloween layout... I'd love to read your comments, so please take a moment to let me know you were here... And, of course, I love having new followers too!! :)

If you'd like to see what else I've been creating, please click HERE... Thanks again for stopping by!!

Monday, October 25, 2010

The picture for this card simply cannot do it justice... My very dear friend, Chris, is a digital diva. I mean, this chickie can create almost anything digitally... Who else could make a chicken nugget play the piano or make a guest appearance in a childrens' play? Yep, she's done it. She's created some of the most amazing digital albums, coupons, bookmarks, photo templates, scrapbook pages and more that I've EVER seen!! Oh, and did I mention that she does all of this with a house full of kiddos??? 'Nuff said - she's amazing. :)

Well, this month, Chris has very kindly designed one of the cards for my card class!! The neatest part about her digital-hybrid cards is that they look fantastic even before they're finished!! The pink flower is not only on the original digital design, but it's also cut out and adhered with pop dots for added dimension. A little pink bling makes this card perfect for sending to a special friend!!

I hope to share more of Chris's wonderful digital-hybrid designs with you in the future... If you'd like to see more, be sure to leave a comment encouraging her to design something else for us!! To create this card (and seven others too), please join us on Wednesday, October 27 for this month's card class. Participants will create 8 beautiful cards perfect for sending to friends and family...

Thanks so much for visiting!!

**To see all of the cards for the October Card Class, please CLICK HERE**

Gobble, gobble!! :) Isn't this turkey just adorable? He is all dressed up and ready to say 'Happy Thanksgiving' to someone special!!

To create this Thanksgiving Easel Card, I started with a 4"x12" strip of Cloud Cardstock and scored it at 6" and 9.5". I then used the D'Vine Swirls embossing folder on the front top (above the fold) of the card. The 3"x4" Gold Cardstock was Cuttlebugged with the Houndstooth embossing folder and adhered to the bottom half of the card base (front, below the fold). The turkey (Create A Critter Cartridge) was cut at 4" using the Fit to Length Feature on my Cricut Expression Machine (this allowed me to cut the turkey to the width of 4" rather than height -- perfect for when I want to fill up the width of a card -- it automatically adjusts the height to the width ratio). Once the pieces were adhered together, the turkey was attached only to the gold cardstock (so he would pop up above the fold when opened).

On the inside of the card, the Happy Thanksgiving sentiment was cut at 2" from the Wild Card Cartridge. After adhering the sentiment to the gold strip (1/2"x4"), it was adhered to the orange strip (2.5"x4"), and popped up with a strip of fun foam (or pop dots). The dimension is needed to create a 'ledge' for the bottom front of the card to rest behind when open.

This is card #7 for this month's card class on October 27. Participants create 8 fun cards perfect for sending to family and friends... The best part is that all the hard work is already completed (ya know, the designing, the cutting, etc.)... If you would like more information about my card classes, or to purchase a spot (or just a kit), please email me at scrapbookingwithamy (at) gmail (dot) com.

Thanks so much for stopping by!! Your comments and questions are welcomed and appreciated!!

**To see all of the cards for the October Card Class, please CLICK HERE**

We've had several warmer days here lately (just the way I like it!)... With today's rain, many of the remaining leaves were pulled from the trees to blanket the yard with a multitude of colors... While I prefer the leaves to stay on the trees, I certainly enjoy seeing the leaves spread across the ground inviting rakes to create piles for jumping!! It's a reminder that hot cider and pumpkin pie can be found almost everywhere (I'm wishing for some in my kitchen right now!!)... So enjoy the season, and remember to Give Thanks...

This is Card #6 for the October Card Class. The Give Thanks sentiment can be found on the Thanksgiving Seasonal Cartridge. The flowers were cut in varying sizes (1"-2") from the Walk In My Garden Cartridge (the smallest flowers are Creative Memories punches). This simple card is quick and easy to create and is sure to be treasured by the lucky recipient.

**To see all of the cards for the October Card Class, please CLICK HERE**

Thanks so much for stopping by!! Please feel free to leave a comment, as I love to read them!! Have a GREAT day!!

Gate-fold cards are a fun alternative to traditional cards, and they are SO easy to make!! This card starts as a 4"x12" strip scored and folded at 3" and 9". A blue strip measuring 4"x3.5" was embossed with the Cuttlebug 'Thanks' folder and added to the top flap of this card. This fun flower can be found on the Sweet Treats Cartridge (cut at 4"). The beautiful patterned paper on the bottom flap of the card is Creative Memories paper from the Nancy O'Dell Hummingbird line (REALLY gorgeous!!). The 'Thank You' sentiment on the inside is from the Wild Card Cartridge and is cut at 2.25".

This is Card #5 for the October Card Class. Participants of my card class receive a kit with everything needed to create 8 beautiful cards perfect for sending to friends and loved ones. Additional kits are available for purchase - please email me at scrapbookingwithamy (at) gmail (dot) com for additional details.

**To see all of the cards for the October Card Class, please CLICK HERE**

I'd love to hear your thoughts about this Gate Fold card!! Please leave a comment, and thanks for stopping by!!

Whether it's a Birthday Wish or a Life Wish... May all YOUR wishes come true!! :) This is Card #4 of the October Card Class (Wednesday, Oct. 27) and features a phrase from the Sweet Treats Cartridge as well as the Birthday Candle Cuttlebug embossing folder. Members of my card club receive a kit to make 8 beautiful cards perfect for sending to friends and loved ones. The best part of these kits is that all the hard work has been done for you -- Simply bring your adhesive (wet & dry) and some scissors and/or a trimmer, and leave with a collection of fun cards!! If you would like to purchase a kit, but are not able to attend, please feel free to email me for details.

**To see all of the cards for the October Card Class, please CLICK HERE**

Thanks so much for stopping by!! I love to read your comments, so thanks for leaving one!! :)

This fun little frog (from the Mini Monsters Cartridge) was cut at using the Card Feature and then mounted to a 4x6 background (Creative Memories Black & White Designer Paper, White Cardstock) that has been distressed with Black Chalking Inks. Of course, since I'm addicted to my Cuttlebug embossing folders, I also had to emboss the frog's body with the Happy Birthday folder!!

I hope you enjoy Card #3 created for this month's Card Class (Wednesday, Oct. 27). If you haven't reserved your kit yet, please remember to do so today (as kits are limited).

**To see all of the cards for the October Card Class, please CLICK HERE**

As always, I appreciate your comments and would love to hear from you!! Have a GREAT day, and thanks for stopping by!!

As we start to prepare for Christmas (gasp! YES! It's time to do that already!), I've had several requests for cards for everyday events -- like BABIES!! :) Now, who doesn't want to celebrate babies??? If you, like me, never have a card on hand for the baby shower or birth, then here's your chance to be prepared!

The first two cards featured for the October Card Class (Wednesday, October 27) will help you celebrate those little bundles of joy...

The Baby Girl card features a Baby Rattle from the New Arrival Cartridge -- It was cut at 5.75" and was textured using Cuttlebug embossing folders (Paisley and Swiss Dots).

The Baby Boy card features a 'button' made using the New Arrival Circle feature and the scalloped circle (I used the Hide Contour feature on my Gypsy to remove the lace effect from the scallop). The Argyle background can be found on the Wild Card Cartridge (I L-O-V-E the Argyle!). The entire card has been distressed with Creative Memories Brown Chalking Ink. I really like how it really made the card pop.

**To see all of the cards for the October Card Class, please CLICK HERE**

I suppose The Boy-Child is about to lose his anonymity here... This is what happens when The Mom is incredibly proud of his achievements and accomplishments, right? I am stepping away from my usual postings about card creations to brag just a little about The Boy-Child (aka Aaron). As he has entered the college years, I find myself wanting to share more and more about the great things he's been doing, starting with his recent courageous acoustic performance!

Even though this is posted as a video... It really is only a music clip. Aaron was invited to perform LIVE on the air with Lanny Frattare (legendary voice of the Pittsburgh Pirates) last Monday afternoon... In this clip, you will hear Aaron discuss how he first learned to play the guitar about a year-and-a-half ago. Lanny then asked Aaron to give the weather report while playing an accompaniment on his guitar. My favorite part of this clip is that Aaron really seems to have fun with his weather report this way -- Personally, I feel he should ALWAYS do the weather just like this!! :)

In this next clip, Aaron performs a song he learned only the week before... The name of the song is 'Dirty & Left Out' by The Almost. Aaron is self-taught on the guitar. He started playing after his best friend, Ben, joined the military and bequeathed his guitar to him. I could go on and on about the positive influence our favorite young marine has had on Aaron, but I will simply say that if there was any event in Aaron's teenage years that has meant a great deal, it was this generous gift that Ben shared... Playing the guitar has helped Aaron express himself and grow as a talented young man. There isn't ever a time that I hear him play that it doesn't bring a tear to my eye and a smile to my heart. I am thrilled to be able to share this with you...

As always, your comments are welcome and very much appreciated. If you have taken the time to share in this proud-mom moment, I thank you. If you are interested in hearing more from Aaron, we invite you to listen in on his Wednesday Night Show (8-9pm EST) HERE (this link opens in Windows Media Player)...

Friday, October 15, 2010

It's once again time to pack up your pictures, paper, and supplies and treat yourself to a Fall Overnight Scrapbooking Retreat!! This is your opportunity to gather with friends and enjoy hours of uninterrupted laughter, fun and album-making! Retreat includes overnight accommodations, meals, special gifts and prizes. Starts Friday, October 15 at 5pm (early-bird arrival is available too!) and ends Sunday at 3pm.

Come for a day or stay for the weekend!! Select a package that works for YOU!!

Package 1: $150

Up to 51 hours to scrapbook!!
Friday, 5pm – Sunday, 3pm (sign up for early-bird arrival on Friday for up to 5 extra hours to scrapbook!)
Includes 5 meals and two nights in a private sleeping room plus freebies, gifts, and prizes.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

I had a visitor from Papercraft Star the other day... And I was invited to visit their fun challenge site, so I did!! While I was there, I found this:

Now... I'm A-L-W-A-Y-S up for a giveaway... I mean, I've stayed up until all hours of the night making cards just to enter challenges, right??? So this giveaway seemed pretty easy... If you would like to enter to win too, please check out all the details HERE...

You can expect to see me entering a few more of their challenges over at Papercraft Star... They actually post ALL the challenges for the rest of the year so I can plan ahead (ha ha... who else knows I do *nothing* that's planned ahead when it comes to crafting???)

Anyway, it's a pretty cool system they have over there... Challenges... Voting... Winners... Tutorials... Tips... And more!! Be sure to check it out!!

The folks over at Cuttlebug Challenge had a Be Inspired World Card Making Day Challenge and asked participants to make a favorite card with a favorite technique to be sent to a friend just because... World Card Making Day is the first Saturday in October and is designed to help card-makers everywhere get a head-start on cards for the holidays... or ANYday!! :)

Because the weather has turned so chilly here in Pennsylvania, and the sun has limited its appearance for much of the last week; I decided I wanted to make a bright card to brighten not only my day, but the day of one of my dear friends...

Believe it or not, I didn't pull out my Cricut for this challenge!! My favorite technique recently has been using all those fun Cuttlebug folders I found on sale a few weeks ago... What can I say? I just L-O-V-E texture!! So this simple card combines some texture with some paper flowers and eyelets to create a bright, fun card I know my friend will enjoy...

Thanks so much for stopping by today!! I hope you'll check out all of the cards I've been creating lately (Click HERE to scroll through)... I'd love for you to sign up to be a follower or leave a comment about my card. :)

Friday, October 1, 2010

Well, folks... This is it... The eighth and final card for the September Card Class (yes, I know it's October 1st... trust me, ya don't wanna know...)... :) You do know what the eighth card means, right??? It's time to start a NEW set!! To see what I'm creating for October, please check back often (sign up for email updates or become a follower!! I appreciate my followers!!). But for now, here's the card:

My tree is from the Cheerful Seasons Cricut Cartridge and is cut at 4.5". There are three layers to the tree, and it couldn't be easier to put together... The yellow goes on the red and the brown goes on the yellow (allowing only the yellow circles to show!) -- Ya gotta love that!! :)

My sentiment is hand-lettered with a metallic patina pen from Creative Memories... The punch is one of my favorite label punches from Stampin Up!.

This card is an 'S' - Flip Card... When it's closed, the 'Peek -A-' shows, but when it's opened, the center 'flips' over to say 'BOO!'... Now don'tcha just love that??? I had a blast making this card!! Here's another picture to show you what it looks like completely closed and completely open...

I just love the way that skeleton is peeking around the edge when the card is closed... I think he looks kinda scary at first, but when the card opens to say 'BOO!' he's just there waving and being silly!! :) By the way, the skeleton and pumpkin can both be found on the Paper Doll Dress Up Cricut Cartridge... I cut the skeleton at 5.75" and the pumpkin at 1.5"... REMEMBER -- You'll need to use your Real Dial Size (RDS) since these are accessories... Without RDS, the sizing might be much smaller.

The font for 'Peek -A- BOO!' can be found on the Batman Cricut Cartridge... I used my Gypsy to weld the letters (lovin' my Gypsy!!). And those fun swirls are random cuts from the Cheerful Seasons Cricut Cartridge... I thought they accented the pumpkin vines. :)

Thanks so much for taking the time to check out my card!! I hope you enjoy it enough to leave a comment (which I love to read) and become a follower!! I'd love for you to check back often!!

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About Me

I am 'The-Mom' to two wonderful teenagers ('The-Girl-Child' and 'The-Boy-Child')... I forget to tell them how amazing they are as much as I should, but I do remember to tell them that I love them (more often than 'The Boy-Child' would like, I'm sure!).
I'm quirky and silly, I love to make people laugh, and I like exclamation points and :) smiley faces!!! :) :) :)
I'm more than a little OCD, especially when it comes to my creations -- I like clean lines and balance; however, my craft room (or living room or office) doesn't count for that! :)
I am extremely blessed, even if I forget that from time to time...